Bunnings Safe Review by an Expert

Over the last 38 years I have worked on safes of every conceivable size & shape. So I feel this qualifies me to write my my Bunnings safe review. Everyone welcomes cheaper prices there is a flip side to cheap imports. The influx of what I term “cheapie safes” has contributed to the death of at least 2 safe manufacturing plants in Australia. The Chubb safe factory closed in the latter part of the 1980’s. And last year Lord safe company closed its doors in Taree. The only surviving safe making factory now is the CMI plant in Sydney.

Alas economic rationalisation has claimed another Aussie industry but I digress. The real problem with all these cheap imports has been the race to produce and sell them at the lowest cost as the main consideration. Lower costs translates to less steel, components that are “lighter” and electronics that have not been thoroughly tested. Many of these light grade safes can not stand up to the rigor of everyday use.

The word “safe” when applied to a security container or Strongbox as they were known is a misnomer. How anyone that buys a “safe” for $40 can think it will protect anything from anyone is lost on me. Quite simply if you want to protect any item from being stolen you need to place barriers between the items (booty in crim talk) and those wanting to steal it. This is a proportional equation, the bigger the “risk or “booty” the better or stronger the (barrier) safe needs to be. We (in the safe & vault industry) call this the safes “cash rating” and it is a measure of how hard a safe is to crack open.

I have looked at nearly all Bunnings safes (inside and out) and they are all (in my opinion) low grade. They are only suitable for domestic use and should NOT be used to protect valuables from thieves. They should only be used to stop non criminal types from stealing its contents. This would be, people known to you such as relatives or house guests. Anyone who would NOT use tools or such to attack the safe.

Domestic or home safes as they are known have a cash rating of between $500 to $3000. Their fire rated safes are fine and they (fire rated safes) will protect the contents from fire but keeping criminals out is another story. I would like to see an Australian standard introduced which outlaws the generic use of the word “safe” and replace it with a grading system for security containers.

For $400-$600 you get a home safe that will provide a much greater obstacle to would be crims. For between $800 and $1000 you get a really good safe and so on. Also remember it more logical to buy a good safe once. Rather than find out the hard way that a cheap safe offers ONLY token resistance to most amateur criminals.

Bunnings safes are great as a petty cash safe or the kids money box. They MIGHT suit as wall safes (where they are built into the wall) as they are light and small enough. Finally these safes are not very reliable and if they break down in 3 or 5 years you will have the expense of getting it open. Then there is the cost of replacing it. So I feel it’s better to invest in a good safe once, bolt it down and then relax knowing your stuff is safe.

Cart

Beeen chasing a particular brand of safe for ages. Nobody had them in stock and could not be bothered getting them in it seemed. Found it on sale @ KGB and decided to buy there and then. Contacted by Allison who was prompt in getting back to me about some minor cosmetic issues with the safe which didn’t worry me at all but she gave me a substantial discount for it which was greatly appreciated. Allison kept me updated through the whole process which was excellent customer service. Safe was delivered today by Wayne and Alex who were friendly blokes and worked to get it where I exactly wanted it. All in all was a great experience buying a product from these guys. Highly recommended and I will certainly tell anyone I know who is in the market for a safe to deal with these guys without question. Thanks KGB.

We used KGB Security and they installed a Hikvision and Paradox security system, They were very polite and Shane did a fantastic job, fast and effective. I would used them again they were very responsive, had it all installed in a few days and it works like a charm. I can highly recommend these guys

Kelly, Wayne, Gabriel and Alex were extremely helpful, giving me plenty of security advice, tips and tricks - not to mention a great price. Most importantly I'm very appreciative of the time they spent with me making sure my security problems were solved. I would highly recommend their service.

We have called upon KGB Security on multiple occasions ranging from Restricted Key Systems, replacing locks, recommendations and supply of suitable padlocks or door hardware. They have also been engaged to do lockouts for us which makes a tense situation easier when you have a professional company in attendance. We have no hesitation in recommending KGB Security and take this opportunity to thank admin staff and field staff for their prompt attention and support.

Great company to call in time of need. KGB are prompt, reliable, and do everything they can to make installation work seamlessly. Special mention to Kate and Alison in administration - what an asset to the company - easy to talk to and efficient with it. This is a company that does great customer service.
Highly recommend

Good group of people with excellent service. The whole team were a pleasure to deal with and the installation crew went above and beyond. I would recommend KGB Security to anyone needing secure storage facilities.

Really good bunch of Roosters. They opened a safe within a few minutes. As the job is for a business, they could of charged almost any amount of money, but they chose not to. Definitely recommend.
Cheers

I have been dealing with Kel for 5 yrs and have always had a first rate personalised service. I feel ever grateful for all your help and guidance when I needed it. And going out of your way to make sure my security needs are fully covered. Thanks heaps for your expertise and great service.

Great, prompt, professional service on a after hours lock out. Call answered quite late after numerous calls to many other supposed 24hr locksmiths. The locksmith arrived & sorted us out fast. Thank you so much. Highly recommend this business

I have used KGB for a number of years. I have been very disappointed recently with their complete lack of service and interest. I can only assume that there has been a change of management. Goodbye KGB
Following my disappointment with KGB the staff contacted me and sorted out my issues to my complete satisfaction.

I had to replace a lock on my safe, was able to collect it within a day, and best of all Cal sorted me for a very good deal, will definitely be using KBG Security for my safe upgrade in the future. Thanks

I had an issue with my safe I went on the Internet to find someone to help me
I found KGB security I didn’t realise I had rung a Brisbane company as I live in Sydney but it didn’t matter because Kel was more than happy to help me
He stayed on the phone and went through all the steps to fix my issue with my safe
Thank you
Kerry

I had the week from hell recently and to top it all off I lost my house keys down an elevator shaft. I rang another company who promised to meet me at a specific time and then showed up 50 minutes late. No apology just a couple of grunts. Well he tried opening the lock for 40 minutes and when I hinted he was having a tough time he promptly walked off leaving me dismayed and dumb founded...what the.
I rang 10 locksmiths all advertising "prompt service" and all either did not answer or had switched off their phones. I eventually called KGB and the man who answered assured me his locksmith A would turn up and B would be able to open the door. 45 mins later he arrived and another 10 mins the door was open.
I asked him why the other guy couldnt open the door and he was very diplomatic and almost humble. In fact he explained in great detail why my lock was a tough one. Long story but a huge shout out the KGB Team. Thanks a bunch Jarrod :)

I recently wrote an unflattering review of the service at KGB. I wish now to revise my rating to 5 stars. It was a communication problem that was responsible for the lack of response I initially experienced. Once that was sorted out my requirements were attended to with the usual good service and attention to detail that I have received from KGB over many years.

Purchased a new safe and was at a good price. Very heavy duty and was what I was after. Had great service and were knowledgeable on the products. all seem like a really good bunch of people working there.

Thank you to Rhiannon for assisting over the phone with as much information as possible and to Paul, the locksmith who attended the property. He was very thorough and knowledgeable and happy to assist with my queries. Very helpful and professional.

Dealing with KGB has been amazing and that's why we continue to do business with them. We needed something to be done urgently and Rhiannon made it easy and stress free. She made you feel like your job was at high priority. Great job Rhiannon!

When you're leaving for work and hear the click of your door lock behind you and you realise you've left your keys inside is not a good feeling. However, if you live near KGB Rocklea there's no need to worry. Thanks to Rhiannon for being so friendly, accommodating and understanding the urgency of the situation. She sent a technician (Martin) to my home very briefly after our conversation. 5 stars. I highly recommend!

Had a last minute need for a call out before an Open House! The booking co-ordinator dealt with my urgency very well, and had a person out the next morning. They arrived on time, and quickly solved the case of the lost keys. Very professional, friendly guys who got the job done in no time. No hesitation in recommending and giving 5 stars.

I embarrassingly locked myself out of my house when a door closed whilst I was getting washing in!! I cannot thank Kel and Matt enough for their wonderful service!!!! Very understanding and incredibly efficient. I highly recommend KGB!!

My safe would not respond to the combination so I called KGB Security. They sent around a very helpful young man, David, who pulled the door to pieces, fixed the jammed mechanism, restored it to working order and then ensured I understood the combination clearing and setting process. Meanwhile I picked his brains and he chatted happily away providing all sorts of advice on safes. This company (KGB) sticks by their products. Their staff are courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend KGB.